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Although the funeral was originally scheduled for Saturday, the St. Louis family pushed the day of the service back to Sunday, in order to accommodate the NHL Eastern Conference Finals schedule.

“Anyone who knows Marty knows what kind of character he has – that’s the kind of character he is,” said Dominic Moore, St. Louis’ teammate.

Moore lost his wife to cancer last year.

It’s something he told reporters has helped forge an understanding between him and St. Louis.

St. Louis’ situation shows a different side of sports – one that instead of highlighting distinctions can help bring people together in times of grief.

“Today is a day we gotta think about Marty and his family and his mother,” said Daignault.

“Tomorrow life goes on and we gotta think about a big game.”

Martin St. Louis #26 of the New York Rangers celebrates their 3 to 1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins with teammates in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 11, 2014 in New York City.

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- With files from Domenic Fazioli, Global News, and The Associated Press